The results in this manuscript represent a demonstration of RDX vapor detection real time at ambient temperature without sample preconcentration. vapors from the low volatility explosive compound was achieved through selective atmospheric pressure chemical ionization using nitrate reactant ions (NO(3)(-)) and NO(3)(-)·HNO(3) adducts generated an electrical discharge source. were ionized reaction region, which provided variable (up to several seconds) time. times controlled either by flow...

The real-time detection of vapors from low volatility explosives including PETN, tetryl, RDX, and nitroglycerine along with various compositions containing these substances was demonstrated. This accomplished an atmospheric flow tube (AFT) using a nonradioactive ionization source coupled to mass spectrometer. Direct vapor in less than 5 s at ambient temperature without sample preconcentration. several seconds residence time analytes the AFT provided significant opportunity for reactant ions...

The atmospheric pressure chemical ionization of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) with subsequent separation and detection by ion mobility spectrometry has been studied. Positive hydronium reactant ions produced only fragments the TATP molecule, m/z 91 being most predominant species. Ionization ammonium a molecular adduct at 240. reduced value this was constant 1.36 cm(2)V(-1)s(-1) across temperature range from 60 to 140 °C. stability dependent did not exist temperatures above °C, where fragment...

This paper reports the first example of electrospray ionization (ESI) for separation and detection anions in aqueous solutions by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). Standard arsenate, phosphate, sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, chloride, formate, acetate were analyzed using ESI-IMS distinct peak patterns reduced constants (K0) observed respective anions. Real world water samples nitrate nitrite to determine feasibility as a rapid analytical method monitoring systems. The data showed satisfactory...

Traditional peak-area calibration and the multivariate methods of principal component regression (PCR) partial least squares (PLS), including unfolded PLS (U-PLS) multi-way (N-PLS), were evaluated for quantification 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine (RDX) in Composition B explosive mixtures analyzed by temperature step desorption ion mobility spectrometry (TSD-IMS). TSD is a technique used to partially resolve mixture components before analysis...

Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate, in the laboratory, potential gas chromatography/ion mobility spectrometry (GC/IMS) for monitoring vinyl chloride and other organic compounds air samples field. It determined that GC/IMS has directly detect at 2 ppbv level, when concentrated on an adsorbent trap from a 1 L sample air, detection could be lowered 0.02 level. From comparative investigation 18 EPA priority pollutants 34 common vapor‐phase compounds, many were found provide...

Using a commercial mass spectrometer interfaced with an atmospheric flow tube (AFT) allowed for the detection of variety inorganic compounds used as oxidizers in homemade explosives (HMEs) at picogram levels. The AFT provides reaction times between 3 and 5 s flows 6 L/min, enabling levels, after thermal desorption, similar to those previously demonstrated RDX vapor low parts per quadrillion range. desorption chlorate perchlorate salts resulted production corresponding anions which have...

Inorganic sampling cloth chemically modified with phenyl-functional groups for improving the collection and detection of trace explosives.

Time-of-flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma (LA-ICPMS) were used for characterization identification of unique signatures from a series 18 Composition C-4 plastic explosives. The samples obtained various commercial military sources around the country. Positive negative TOF-SIMS data acquired directly residue on Si surfaces, where positive spectra consistent with major composition organic additives, more explosive content in samples....

Atmospheric flow tube-mass spectrometry (AFT-MS) enables real-time, non-contact detection of fentanyl, heroin, and other illicit drugs at parts-per-quadrillion vapor levels or from femtograms residue.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has recently recorded the infrared (IR) and far-infrared (FIR, sometimes also called terahertz, THz) spectral signatures of four common explosives in condensed phase. The RDX, PETN, TNT Tetryl were both THz domains, using Fourier transform (FTIR) spectroscopy. Samples consisted thin films made by depositing subsequent evaporation an acetone-explosive mixture. complete spectrum spanned range from 4,000 to 8 cm-1 at 2.0 resolution. Preliminary...

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has active programs investigating the optical absorption strengths of several types molecules including toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), microbiological threats such as bacteria, well explosives RDX, PETN and TNT. While most our work centered on mid-infrared domain (600 to 6,500 cm-1), more recent also included in far-infrared, called terahertz (THz) region (500 ~8 cm-1). Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, we have been able compare...

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – 8, 2013.